LARRY’S LAGNIAPPE
Larry Carlson is a senior writer for TLSN and has been covering Longhorn sports through radio, magazines, newspapers, websites and podcasts since 1977. He hosted KVET Radio’s Longhorn Locker Room post-game show during the early Fred Akers era and wrote for James Street’s Orange Power. He was also a radio correspondent for NBC Sports and CBS Sports before serving as UTSA’s first Sports Information Director. Carlson worked as editor of San Antonio/South Texas Football magazine and Texas Hill Country View magazine. Larry has taught news and sports journalism at his alma mater, SWT/TXST, since 1985. During that time he has covered NFL summer camps for Associated Press Radio, was a Canadian Football League radio producer, worked in the San Antonio Spurs’ TV truck and co-hosted Longhorn Pipeline on San Antonio’s ESPN Radio. Carlson was the co-creator and executive producer for “Big Game Hunters,” a ground-breaking sports/travel show on ESPN2 that focused on gameday atmosphere, local eateries and dive bars at college football hotspots such as Texas, Alabama and LSU, among others. He lives in his beloved hometown, San Antonio, and enjoys enchiladas, the Atlantic Ocean, indie music, the Wall Street Journal and history, especially Texas history, Southern history and all books about his favorite American, George Washington.
LARRY’S LAGNIAPPE FOR NOLA
by Larry Carlson for https://texaslsn.org
Lagniappe, I learned long ago, means “a little something extra” or kind of a bonus, in South Louisiana. I’ve been visiting New Orleans at least once or twice a year since I was a kid on family vacations. You’ve likely been there, and understand that there’s no place quite like it.
Great history, architecture, art, music, ambience, food and drink. Plus football.
Some favorites, some lagniappe for TLSN readers, submitted for your perusal and appreciation.
MUSTS FOR FOOD/DRINKS
Napoleon House, 500 Chartres (at St. Louis)
A bar and restaurant like no other. Classical music, not rap nor anything loud, in the background. Order the Pimm’s Cup, the house drink. Get a muffuletta (served warm, unlike most NOLA spots) and the Shrimp Remoulade Stuffed Avocado. Absolutely a peerless atmosphere that will take you back a few centuries. Just staring at all the Napoleonic decor and ancient walls will amaze you.
High Hat Cafe, 4500 Freret
Standout Southern specialties, from catfish to pimento cheese grits and vegetable plates. Good cocktails and the best pies in New Orleans. Get a slice of chocolate chess before they run out.
Joey K’s, 3001 Magazine St.
Great food at reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere. Start by sharing the Eggplant Napoleon, breaded & fried, showered in shrimp and sauce. And you can’t miss on daily specials or anything on the menu. Full bar, too.
Mandina’s, 3800 Canal St.
It’s only a few miles from the French Quarter. Family-owned for almost a century, it’s a spot loved by locals. Fried seafood, Italian specialties, turtle soup with a splash of sherry, it’s all good. Full bar.
Parkway Tavern, 538 Hagan Ave.
In a city known for its po-boys, Parkway stands alone at the top. Variety, variety, variety and you’ll be filled to the gills. Can get very crowded, even in the morning.
BARS
The Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Ave.
An absolute classic. You’ve gotta get the signature mint julep. But all cocktails are good and so is the food. Weather permitting, enjoy while outside. But the bar inside is cozy and comforting.
The Vintage, 3121 Magazine St.
Sit at the bar and get a solid cocktail plus beignets or beignet bites that are better than the originals at Cafe DuMonde, without the wait. And with a drink. Enjoy!
Fat Harry’s, 4330 St. Charles Ave.
It’s an old standard for the Tulane area. The drinks and burgers always deliver and there are tons of TVs in this sports bar and hangout.
DIVE BARS
Rendezvous, 3101 Magazine St.
Cheap drinks at a long, long bar. Plenty of drafts and drink choices, billiards and a damn good jukebox for eclectic tastes.
Parasol’s Bar & Restaurant, 2533 Constance
Just one block off Magazine in the Irish Channel area, it’s a funky bar filled with
neon and laid back good times for enjoying food and drinks.
Fahy’s, 540 Burgundy
At the edge of the Quarter, only a block off Rampart, this is an easy-going place for locals and serves up stiff, inexpensive drinks.
Unless you wanna shoot pool, just ask for a go-cup and take your potent potion for a leisurely stroll. Tip ’em well for the pour. They’ll remember you.
BAKERY
Angelo Brocato, 214 N. Carrollton
Ice cream, gelato, biscotti, cookies. Take the cannoli! You’re gonna wish you had this place in your hometown. But there’s only the original. Enjoy while you’re there.
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